While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier vehicles prepared for America's favored car|Ford
You can dispute practically anything worrying cars and trucks and also trucks, yet something is impossible to suggest: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roads. No automobile has actually been more vital or sold more models since this pick-up's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 and also its heavy-duty equivalents topped the sales charts for 35 straight years.
That's fairly a run, and also these trucks defeated the competitors in their sector for even longer (40 successive years). Yet the F-Series pick-ups didn't appeared of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford introduced its legendary pickup way back in 1948, just after The second world war. Before the F-1 launching that year, the automaker's trucks were just customized autos.
The 1948 design transformed that, as well as the F-Series proceeded its advancement right into the 21st century. These days, the F-150 as well as heavy-duty designs sporting activity the most sophisticated technology as well as interior comfort that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It certainly didn't start in this way. Below are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the most up to date off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T truck
1925 Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Design T vehicle|The Henry Ford
To locate the origins of Ford vehicles, we need to go completely back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer converted the Model T right into a pick-up. As the picture shows, this lorry was little bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, even such a standard setup obtained items relocating the early days of consumer transportation.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford vehicles boosted substantially in the energy department|Ford
While there was obvious allure for a Version T truck, Ford improved upon the principle with the Version An as well as Design B. The bed was longer and also the weight distribution much better, so there was plenty of charm for vehicle purchasers during the Anxiety, particularly with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and had its share of limitations.
3. Joining the 1940s war effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks entered into the war effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed vehicle idea materialized by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 designs showed up, there were several options for consumers. Amongst the selections were brand-new V6 engines to accompany the V8 and four-cylinder options. Ford obtained both the grille designing and also the underlying system from cars here, as well as launched additional vehicle plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the battle. Customer production finished for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two men wearing stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked in front of a home
Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford
Following The Second World War, Ford launched its first all-new vehicle platform with eight different designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had lots of choices. Engine choices ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks began with a simple, utilitarian look as well as greater usefulness than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A pale environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th anniversary with the intro of 2nd generation F-Series designs. The front grille altered significantly (brand-new engines likewise got here), but this redesign was much more substantial. An enhanced V8 engine, longer dimensions, better exposure, as well as automatic transmission were presented. So were hood accessories and also the nomenclature we identify today: F-100 as well as F-250 changed the 3 lightest pick-ups in the schedule.
6. More power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also incorporate drives with an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also combine|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield supplied boosted visibility for chauffeurs, upgraded power specifications increased their alternatives on the job website. Six cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horsepower. Much more power stopped by the 1956 version year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 equines, according to Edmunds.
7. F-Series third generation.
A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960
1960 Ford F-100|Ford
You can't assist staring adjustment in the face when comparing the second and also 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as double the number of fronts lights welcomed Ford vehicle customers beginning in 1960. Three years previously, the 1957 versions debuted the pick-up's larger taxi and various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started using 4x4 in manufacturing facility designs.
8. Fourth generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rocky surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With 4x4 capacity and also over 200 horse power getting here by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the modern-day age. Super Obligation vehicles had made their launching in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a take a look at the design year's Ford F-250. 2 headlights returned for those that ran by evening.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's 5th generation, truck consumers might select from three trims: base, custom-made, as well as Ranger. Choosing the Ranger indicated carpeted floorings, a standard chrome grille, as well as more comfortable seats. By 1970, before fifth generation models ended their run, a 4th trim (XLT) entered the picture.
10. More design and also performance
1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the grass
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Regulations mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, as well as this heavy-duty design from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging opportunity. An upgraded V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horse power. On the other hand, the relentless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.
11. A powerhouse 6th generation
1973 Ford F-Series pickup
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were amazing for a number of factors, yet we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had actually pioneered the pick-up with additional seats, and also Ford really felt obliged to respond. Yet another V8 engine entered the picture also. But America's preferred truck will be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked in front of a construction site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves captured in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 as well as the mighty F-250. This version bridged the gap beginning in 1975, and about one third of F-Series sales were comprised of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks began their run atop the sales list that remains to now.
13. The decisive 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 model year|Ford
To put the 7th generation's influence in point of view, we look to chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was an innovation generation," Wagner said. "It was all new-- probably the greatest modification in 40 years-- and also had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, things actually went Ford's way regarding trucks were worried."
14. Customized packages as well as fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on design and-- extra significantly-- lifestyle had actually entered the picture|Ford
Starting in the very early 1980s, Ford truck customers might design their trucks with personalized paint plans. The brand-new focus on way of living triggered promotional photos such as this one showcasing a family members appreciating a day by the lake. These vehicles supplied at the office and fit sufficient to take pleasure in after hrs, Ford suggested via its advertising and marketing. Note the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 production ended in 1983.
15. Get in eighth generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 design year, Ford F-Series vehicles had actually entered their eighth generation. Wraparound car park lights and also conventional fuel injection were 2 essential upgrades. F-350 as well as larger versions entered into a brand-new Super Obligation line. The newly streamlined grille appreciated a long run through the complying with generations.
16. New styling hints after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' plan|Ford
In the last years of the F-Series's 8th generation, vehicle fans obtained brand-new performance and also styling packages. Among them, the heavy-duty service bundle made the task for snow plows less complicated. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for consumers wanting to stand apart from the myriads of Ford vehicle owners.
17. The high-performance F-150
A red 1993 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
1993 SVT F-150 Lightning|Ford
Since 1992, when the ninth generation F-Series made its debut, Ford had actually delighted in well over a years on top of America's sales graphes. Naturally, the car manufacturer saw an opportunity to experiment and also launched an efficiency model through the Special Automobile Team in its inaugural year. Utilizing its remarkable handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could equate to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. Extra nine generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a mountain
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of brand-new performance models, the Ford F-Series also got significant aesthetic upgrades in its ninth generation Developers were looking to interest yet an additional young generation of consumers. A special Eddie Bauer trim went into the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series notes its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 model year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major modifications arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and also (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille as well as added even more curves than these trucks had shown off in years. Durable vehicles got their own F-Series Super Responsibility line beginning in 1999.
20. F-Series for the 21st century
2004 Ford F-Series
2004 Ford F-Series makes its launching|Mike Heffner/Getty Images
The very first redesign of the new millennium brought a brand new system for the F-150 (2004) and also, finally, for the Super Responsibility trucks (2008 ). Developers had actually highlighted also higher comfort and also designing in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This model cycle had a really short run, as well as finished at the beginning of the Great Recession.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup rests on the assembly flooring at the Kansas City Ford Assembly plant October 2, 2008 in Claycomo, Missouri.
2009 Ford F-150|Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
War time America appeared to apply its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its strong grille and aggressive stance. Midway via the version cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted soaring gas expenses with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Task expands in credibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles, Ford Super Duty models veered close to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine ended up being an alternative in 2011. A few years later, with a number of years in the books as well as numerous models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted a lot more F-250 Super Responsibility vehicles over 200,000 miles than any other vehicle.
23. The aluminum F-150
A red redesigned Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think of serious car manufacturer gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the first. After a number of decades atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum vehicle body-- and it worked. The brand-new F-150 came to be the initial pick-up to get a five-star NHTSA safety score and also an Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Safety Top Safety Choose classification. Now that the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford toenailed the redesign and only boosted the online reputation of its flagship truck.
24. The post-apocalyptic warrior
2017 Ford Raptor
2017 Ford Raptor|Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet
If you find yourself stuck on the road after an armageddon, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of an efficiency pick-up as well as ran with it below, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque as well as significant indoor comforts. Nonetheless, we'll just point out the very attractive visual cues. We can't consider a cooler-looking pick-up when driving.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 model year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its first Version T vehicle, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New progressed accident protection modern technology and the F-150's finest towing abilities were crucial upgrades. Meanwhile, typical start-stop functions made it a lot more economical than any previous model.2018 ford escape grill While we're not exactly sure about the next century of vehicle manufacturing, Ford closed its first 100 years at work in style.
